New library presents exciting opportunity
Local community has an important role to play in determining success of this project
I have been involved with the Cape Breton Regional Library for more than a decade as a Friend of the McConnell Library, member of the New Build Committee, and for the past two years as chair of the CBRL Board. In that time, I have not seen the level of interest in and support for a new library as high as it is today. In my view, it is worth exploring the potential reasons for this elevated level of interest and reminding ourselves of the important work that has yet to be done for the community to realize this decade old dream. The traditional role played by libraries is well understood. But the indispensable role modern libraries play in helping to shape socially progressive and culturally viable communities is now becoming much clearer. Look no further than what is happening in our own province: the Halifax experience of the new library becoming a top destination, completely captivating the attention of young and old while transforming Spring Garden Road; the Antigonish example in “The People’s Place”, and, most recently, the Truro example, a very substantial upgrade to an iconic building that has doubled library membership and spurred a new era of entrepreneurs to invest in the adjacent spaces. These examples serve to highlight renewed enthusiasm and appreciation for the importance libraries play in helping to shape “smart” communities while at the same time instilling confidence in the sustainability of downtown cores.
They all offer a clear message for what is stake for our community. The inclusion by local developer Harbour Royale Development of a new Cape Breton Regional Library in its ambitious proposed waterfront development project has, in the minds of many, moved a concept to within reach of reality. CBRM’s unanimous support of this proposal and endorsement of the waterfront location is to be commended. It is suggested that it is the combination of these factors that is driving the new spirit of optimism and enthusiasm around Sydney’s prospects.
Long-standing is the maxim that big projects require inspired thinking and big effort. The new Cape Breton Regional Library project is no exception. Before us are a number of vitally important issues requiring attention. Among the more obvious is the need to determine the range and nature of library programs and services that will impact and positively influence shared goals and aspirations for future advancement. The importance of getting this step right cannot be over stated. It will govern the eventual building’s physical layout as well as the scope and cost of operations.
Important infrastructure projects like libraries are capital intensive. While it is reasonable to assume that public funds will be available provided a wellconsidered plan is advanced in support of funding requests, appeals for public funding need to be accompanied by evidence of community engagement and financial commitment. In the case of the new Cape Breton Regional Library project, this will include successful execution of a community focused capital campaign when the cost is determined and funding partners state what they are able to contribute.
Evident to Cape Breton Regional Library leadership is the essential role that community has to play in meeting the demands and addressing the challenges inherent in moving a new library through to successful completion. Without deliberate and structured community engagement a new library is at risk of either not being realized at all or failing to achieve optimal community benefit. And when communication lines are open and the community is best positioned to respond and contribute, critical initiatives like a capital campaign will enjoy the best chance of reaching the desired goal.
Before us is an exciting opportunity to achieve the shared goal of a new Cape Breton Regional Library within an ambitious and futuristic waterfront development project. That said, there is a good deal of important work yet to be done and time is of the essence. For the Cape Breton Regional Library Board, this translates into practical and timely decisions that among other things are conducive to community engagement, transparency, capital assembly, and sustained interest and cooperation among and within varied stakeholder groups.